talkSPORT: Reds fight for Saints ace

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Liverpool are ready to go head-to-head with Tottenham for Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez.

Mauricio Pochettino, who quit the Saints to take charge of Spurs earlier this summer, is keen to take Rodriguez with him to White Hart Lane.

talkSPORT understands the north London club have stepped up their interest this week and are hoping to conclude a double deal for the 24-year-old and teammate Morgan Schneiderlin.

But Tottenham are facing a fight with Liverpool to land the former Burnley hitman.

Brendan Rodgers has already taken Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren from Southampton, and has now set his sights on Rodriguez.

The 24-year-old is currently recovering from a serious knee injury and is not expected to return to action until October but both clubs are keen to conclude deals this summer, with Manchester City also understood to be keeping an eye on the England international.

Rodriguez is stalling over signing a new long-term deal with Southampton, and now looks certain to be the next big-name departure from the south coast club.